Bronchiectasis is a condition of the lungs that occurs when you sustain lung damage resulting in the widening of your lung’s airways. When this happens, it is very difficult for your lungs to get rid of fluids, resulting in mucus-filled airways. This, in turn, leads to bacterial growth that can cause dangerous lung infections.
Unfortunately, there’s no permanent cure for bronchiectasis. There are, however, treatments available that can prevent lung infections, clear the mucus from your lungs, and help your body maintain healthy oxygen levels.
Medications are currently the best and primary treatment option for people with bronchiectasis. Because this condition can lead to many different side effects and issues, you may require multiple medications.
Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin, are the main course of treatment when bronchiectasis causes lung infections, which it often does. You can take antibiotics orally or through an IV.
To prevent a lung infection from occurring, you will likely require a steady prescription of mucus-thinning medications known as mucolytics. Mucolytics, such as ambroxol and bromhexine, make it easier for you to cough up mucus that’s accumulating in your lungs. This can help prevent lung infection by keeping your lungs and airways clear.
Bronchodilators, such as albuterol and salmeterol, help to relax your airways so that it’s easier to breathe. This is important, as bronchiectasis can cause an oxygen shortage.
If you have a lung infection along with inflammation around the lungs, you may need a prescription macrolide, such as erythromycin or azithromycin. Macrolides can reduce inflammation while also treating underlying lung infection.
As with any good medication, each drug you take for bronchiectasis will have its own side effects. These will vary from one medication to another but will typically include the following.
In addition to medications, you may also need hydration therapy if you have bronchiectasis. Proper hydration can keep mucus flowing through your lungs, making it less likely that you will develop an infection. If you cannot drink enough water and electrolytes on your own, you may need occasional IV infusions.
In spite of medications and proper hydration, it is possible that you will still accumulate mucus in your lungs. When this happens, you will need chest physical therapy to help loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Chest physical therapy can include percussion, chest clapping, and gravity.
When assistance from a respiratory or physical therapist cannot keep your airways clear, you will need an assistive medical device. You can use handheld devices, such as a Postular Drainage device or an Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure device to do this. You can also opt to wear a percussive therapy vest that vibrates and percusses against your chest and breaks up mucus. This is a common option for people with cystic fibrosis.
While bronchiectasis is an incurable, chronic condition, it is one that you can treat and learn to live with. By managing the buildup of mucus in your lungs and keeping your airways clear, you can prevent most side effects and lung infections that stem from bronchiectasis. In doing so, you can live a long and mostly normal life.